The theme for the 2010 campaign is “Cancer can be prevented too”. The public health message promotes practical lifestyle choices or modifications to lower the risk of developing cancer, such as avoiding tobacco use, limiting alcohol consumption or exposure to the sun’s rays (or tanning booths), maintaining a healthy weight and take preventative measures against cancer-causing infections.

” In 1933, cancer researchers recognized the need to share knowledge and expertise globally and so founded the International Union Against Cancer (UICC). Since then, UICC has grown to embrace organizations engaged in all aspects of cancer prevention and control: voluntary cancer societies, research and treatment centres, public health authorities, patient support networks andadvocacy groups, and ministries of health “.

It probably isn’t correct to say that any cat has a “mission” in life… other than eating, looking for tuna, seeking out sunny spots, sleeping, batting balls around or searching for insects to chew on. But anyone who has ever lived with a feline knows how comforting a warm, purring cat can be in times of trouble or stress.

This month, the press has picked up on the story of one spotted cat from Providence, RI that does seem to have a purpose and meaning in his behaviors, as documented by David Dosa, MD.

Dr. Dosa is an associate professor of medicine at Brown University and a gerontologist at Steere House Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Providence. Oscar is a therapy cat and lives at the facility on the third floor where there is a 41-bed unit for patients with dementia. The staff has noticed that, over time, Oscar has purposely chosen to enter rooms of patients who are near death and will stay with them until they’ve passed on.

Reporters from The Providence Journal visited with Dr. Dosa and Oscar recently, and the video link is here (Jan 31 2010). Some of the other news videos about this story are regrettably sensationalistic, even calling him the furry “angel of death” or other silly stuff.